Synthesis, stability, and emission analysis of magnetite nanoparticle-based biofuels

Abstract

Abstract In recent years, the application of nanoadditives in biofuels is gaining much attention due to their increase in thermophysical properties such as high surface area, thermal conductivity, and mass diffusivity. However, lack of stability, high additive cost, and difficult recovery from engine exhaust are the high-priority and demanding characteristics, which may be chosen by many researchers. In this regard, the most promising nanoadditives are magnetite nanoparticles, having a high-specific area, strong magnetic response, control over the particle size and, most importantly, easy and rapid separation from exhaust gas by applying external magnetic bars. Moreover, it can be easily diluted into biodiesel, and thus, it can collect the advantages of biodiesel in water emulsion. From the literature survey, it is found that there is a lacuna in the synthesis and performance of magnetite nanofuels for internal combustion engine applications. Thus, the present study aims to epitomize the research findings related to the synthesis, characterization, stability, and properties of biodiesel/diesel-based fuels blended with magnetite nanoparticles and the influence of the magnetite nanofuels on engine performance. The study shows that the addition of nanoparticles to biodiesel has positive effects in reducing harmful emissions such as carbon black, smoke opacity and NOX, with improved thermal efficiency and fuel consumption.

Keywords

• Magnetic nanocatalyst
• Co-precipitation method
• Sol–gel method
• Characterization methods
• Stability analysis
• Diesel engine performance